Author: Tribune Online

He emphasised that the state is actively equipping learners from all backgrounds with the practical knowledge…

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Popular social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has reacted strongly to

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President Bola Tinubu’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, has threatened to lead a protest over the outcome of the recently concluded All Progressive Congress (APC) primaries in Lagos State.

According to her, the process was allegedly manipulated in favour of candidates linked to the party’s Justice Forum bloc.

Speaking on Wednesday during the weekly meeting of market leaders and stakeholders at her office in Alausa, Ikeja, Tinubu-Ojo alleged that the results announced for Mushin Federal Constituency 2, Agege Constituency 2 and Ojokoro constituencies did not reflect the actual outcome of the primaries.

The APC in Lagos had earlier released the names of candidates who emerged from the House of Representatives and Lagos State House of Assembly primaries conducted ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The list, signed by Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, showed that 24 candidates secured tickets for the House of Representatives, while 40 candidates emerged for the Lagos State House of Assembly elections.

Among those announced as winners for the assembly seats were Mojisola Meranda for Apapa I, Musibau Lawal for Apapa II, Barakat Bakare-Odunuga for Surulere I and Damilola Ayinde-Marshall for Surulere II, alongside other successful aspirants across the state’s 40 constituencies.

Tinubu-Ojo, however, called on the state and national leadership of the APC to investigate the disputed primaries before the results are formally ratified, warning that unresolved grievances could deepen internal divisions within the ruling party.

She maintained that some aspirants, including Seye Oladejo, Mutiu Olaide Oladeebo and Olotu Ojo, genuinely won their contests and should not be denied victory.

“We are ready to protest because of Seye Oladejo of Mushin Federal Constituency 02, Mutiu Olaide Oladeebo of Agege 2 constituency, Olotu Ojo of Ojokoro constituency, because we know they won this election. Their mandate should not be given to somebody else,” she said.

The Iyaloja-General also decried what she described as growing factional politics within the APC, particularly the rivalry between the Justice Forum and Mandate Group tendencies.

According to her, the alleged alignment of party members with the Justice Forum was linked to the perceived governorship ambition of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, whom she openly endorsed.

“We have to cry out now. Let APC cancel Justice and Mandate Forums. We are one family. We are for APC. Now, they are using Justice Forum and Mandate because our candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, belongs to the Justice Forum,” she stated.

“Everyone is now joining the Justice Forum because they believe that is where the incoming governor belongs. Are we not Lagosians? We are all APC.

“Even when he becomes governor, he will not govern only APC members; he has to balance it. Everyone must be carried along. If you are a leader, you are leading both your friends and foes.

“I can’t understand members of Mandate Group dumping Mandate and joining Justice Forum. And if Mandate won the election, they would try to manipulate and put Justice Forum members there. It is saddening. It is a way of telling us that hard work does not pay in politics. Something must be done about it,” she added.

She also reaffirmed the support of market women across Lagos for Hamzat’s governorship ambition and other APC candidates, while demanding greater political inclusion and recognition for traders, whom she described as a critical bloc in Lagos politics.

Tinubu’s Daughter Threatens Protest Against APC is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A member of the House of Representatives representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Fred Agbedi, has declared that former President Goodluck Jonathan will contest the 2027 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Agbedi made the declaration on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, while reacting to recent court rulings affirming Jonathan’s eligibility to seek the presidency again.

According to the lawmaker, judgments delivered by the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal and the recent ruling by Justice Peter Lifu have effectively settled all controversies surrounding Jonathan’s constitutional qualification to contest.

“That’s correct. And we’re excited, we’re happy that Justice Peter Lifu’s judgment further reaffirmed the settled position of this issue by both the earlier Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal. So all encumbrances as to his eligibility have been resolved,” Agbedi said.

He argued that constitutional amendments introduced after Jonathan left office could not be applied retroactively against him.

“The amendment has taken care of that. So it’s no longer an issue for debate. The clarity of the judgments and the amendment is that Jonathan can do another four years. That is the end of the story,” he stated.

Speaking further, Agbedi dismissed concerns that another term for Jonathan would contradict the constitutional principle limiting presidents to two terms in office.

He maintained that the courts had already interpreted the law in Jonathan’s favour before the constitutional amendment was enacted.

“And because the law does not take retroactive effect, it is exempted. But even before that amendment, the courts had posited that he was still qualified to contest the election,” he added.

The PDP lawmaker also defended the punitive measures imposed by the court against the litigant challenging Jonathan’s eligibility, describing the suit as an abuse of court process.

“As a lawyer, he knows that it was a settled issue. That is why the court says it’s abuse of court processes and a punitive measure should be taken so it will serve as deterrent to others,” he said.

When asked directly whether Jonathan would contest in 2027, Agbedi responded: “I have told you, even at the interview after the court, that President Goodluck Jonathan is contesting under the Peoples Democratic Party.”

He, however, took a swipe at factions within the PDP, insisting that the “real PDP” remains the faction recognised by court judgments.

“The real PDP that exists, that INEC has refused to upload up till now, is the PDP. It is not within their powers to recognise us once the law has spoken and once the judiciary has spoken,” he said.

Agbedi also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of disregarding court decisions regarding the leadership structure of the opposition party.

“It is mandatory. What they are doing amounts to contempt of court and all those issues will be dealt with appropriately,” he added.

The lawmaker further predicted that Jonathan’s possible return to the presidential race would significantly alter Nigeria’s political landscape.

“It means so much. It will upset the entire political atmosphere because he still carries national political clout and he is more prepared, better for the job,” Agbedi said.

He argued that many Nigerians had become disillusioned with the administrations that succeeded Jonathan.

“Nigerians have passed through the eight years of Buhari and now about three years of President Tinubu and have come to see that we need someone we trust to come back.

“Nigerians from different directions are yearning for Jonathan’s another four years that will stabilise this nation,” he stated.

2027: Nigerians Yearning For Jonathan To Return As President – Rep is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has said the global shift to renewable energy will require more than $1tn in annual investments by 2030, warning that many developing economies may struggle to meet climate and energy targets without stronger foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and wider access to clean technologies.

In a new report titled “Energy Transition Investment and the Transfer of Knowledge and Skills: Implications for Investment Treaty Design,” the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development said the financing gap for the global clean energy transition remains significant as countries intensify efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and achieve net-zero emission targets.

According to the report, renewable energy financing is increasingly being driven by private capital, with more than 80 per cent of investments across the renewable energy value chain currently coming from private sector sources.

UNCTAD noted that developing economies are expected to depend heavily on foreign investment to finance their energy transition projects due to insufficient domestic capital and limited development funding.

“Especially for developing economies, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) may be a prerequisite for the energy transition as domestic capital and development funds are insufficient to meet projected needs,” the organisation stated.

The report added that emerging economies are gradually moving up the clean technology value chain and becoming more active in global innovation and manufacturing activities linked to renewable energy.

It stressed that beyond financing, countries would also require access to advanced technologies, technical expertise, and skilled labour to effectively deploy and manage clean energy infrastructure.

UNCTAD further warned that developing economies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America continue to face major barriers to renewable energy investment despite rising global demand for clean energy solutions.

Among the key challenges identified were high borrowing costs, weak infrastructure, regulatory uncertainty, and limited access to long-term financing, all of which continue to slow renewable energy investment flows into developing markets.

The organisation said sectors such as solar energy, wind power, battery storage, hydrogen, and electric mobility present major economic opportunities for emerging economies if financing and technology transfer improve.

It also highlighted the growing importance of industrial policy, innovation, and strategic partnerships in helping countries build local clean energy manufacturing capacity and strengthen energy security.

UNCTAD warned that failure to mobilise sufficient investments could widen global inequalities, slow climate action and expose vulnerable economies to future energy and economic shocks.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has intensified efforts to strengthen climate finance and expand renewable energy investments as part of broader economic diversification and sustainability goals under the administration of Bola Tinubu.

Experts recently urged the Federal Government to deepen investments and introduce stronger incentives for large-scale solar deployment, noting that Nigeria could unlock an estimated $2.5bn carbon market opportunity.

The Federal Government recently approved the National Carbon Market Framework and operationalised the Climate Change Fund to improve climate finance initiatives across the country.

The administration also restored the National Council on Climate Change to the federal budget line as part of efforts to strengthen institutional support for climate-related programmes.

UNCTAD Seeks $1tn Annual Renewable Energy Investments is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to declare a nationwide strike and mass protest over the failure of government to protect children following the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in Oyo State.

The demand came in a statement signed by ERC Deputy National Coordinator Ogunjimi Isaac and National Mobilization Officer Adaramoye Michael Lenin to commemoration this year’s Children’s Day.

The group lamented that terrorists attacked a high school and two primary schools in Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire Local Government Area, on May 15, 2026.

“39 students, mostly of tender ages were kidnapped together with 7 teachers. Tragically, one of the teachers, Mr Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the bandits,” the group said.

ERC accused the Tinubu government and the Seyi Makinde administration of failing to act.

“Despite this, the Tinubu government and the Seyi Makinde administration in Oyo state have not been able to come up with any solution. In fact, they all have their attention fixed on the 2027 general elections, while innocent children are subject to horrible conditions,” it stated.

The group linked the attack to wider hardship, citing World Bank figures that “139 million Nigerians live in poverty” as of October 2025.

It said millions of children face hunger, malnutrition and disease, and that “children now live in fear of being kidnapped.” ERC also faulted the Safe School Initiative, saying it “has failed to keep the school safe” despite billions spent since 2014.

“We call on the NLC and TUC to go beyond mere condemnation of insecurity and come up with a series of mass actions including declaring a nationwide strike and mass protest against the Tinubu government,” ERC said.

The group also demanded “the formation of a pan-Nigeria and multi-ethnic defence to work democratically with security operatives to help safeguard schools and communities.”

Declare Strike Over Kidnapping In Schools, Group Urges Labour Unions is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, is concerned about the fitness of several La Albiceleste players, including Lionel Messi, as he prepares to announce his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lionel Messi requested to be substituted in the 73rd minute during Inter Miami CF’s 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union. Supporters of the star player and the Argentina national team expressed concern over his potential participation in the upcoming summer tournament.

Subsequently, Miami issued a statement detailing the severity of the injury.

The Herons’ statement read: “Following additional medical examinations conducted this Monday, the preliminary diagnosis suggests an overload related to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.

“The timeline for his return to physical activity will be contingent upon his clinical and functional recovery.”

Now, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has commented on Messi’s condition. In an interview with DSports, as reported by ESPN, he stated: “The initial updates are not entirely negative; we must wait to observe his progress, pending the outcomes of further tests to verify the initial medical assessments.”

Scaloni further noted that Messi will not be at full fitness when he rejoins the team prior to their friendly matches leading up to the World Cup. He also mentioned that the Argentina national team is facing additional injury concerns.

He said: “We all hoped Messi could join the squad in peak condition, but that is not the case. It is not only him; several players are still in the process of recovering from injuries. Our primary focus now is on their rehabilitation to ensure they arrive at the World Cup in optimal form.”

Argentina will be hoping that their star player, Lionel Messi, is fit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Placed in Group J, La Albiceleste will face Algeria, Austria and Jordan in the group stage matches.

World Cup 2026: Argentina coach, Scaloni provides update on Lionel Messi’s injury

The Chief Imam of Benin, Sheikh AbdulFatai Enabulele, has said that the prevailing economic hardship, insecurity and political crisis in the country amount to a vote of no confidence in the nation’s ruling political class.

Enabulele stated this while speaking with newsmen shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir prayer at the Ikpoba Slope Eid Ground on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Benin City.

He, however, urged governments at all levels to formulate policies and programmes that would improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians, stressing that “Nigerians are suffering.”

He also linked the rising incidence of internet fraud and other social vices among young people to poverty, unemployment and the failure of good governance in the country.

According to him, “You can see what is happening. They are kidnapping our children, who are the leaders of tomorrow. So what do you expect if the children are not safe?

“This is a failure of good governance, a vote of no confidence in our leaders because you cannot imagine a situation where people have become so desperate as to kidnap our children,” he said.

He lamented that the worsening economic hardship in the country has made it difficult, if not impossible, for many parents to adequately cater for or feed their children.

He noted that when leaders introduce progressive and pragmatic policies, citizens are more likely to obey the law and contribute positively to society, but “when the leadership is lawless, the people will be lawless.”

He also urged leaders to focus on policies and programmes that would improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians and to conduct their affairs responsibly while avoiding actions that send wrong signals to citizens.

The cleric, who also took a swipe at the ongoing primary elections of political parties in the country, lamented that after over two decades of democracy, politicians still could not conduct free and fair elections devoid of rancour and acrimony.

“Most importantly, we also want to appeal to all our leaders, particularly our political leaders. They need to conduct their affairs well. The situation whereby you are sending the wrong signal to the generality of Nigerians will not augur well. People will lose hope; they will lose confidence.

“Imagine a primary election where you cannot conduct a free and fair process devoid of rancour and acrimony, and people are now beginning to cause problems everywhere.

“It is not the best thing. Let them put their houses in order and formulate policies and programmes that will improve Nigerians’ lives because Nigerians are suffering.

“Since 1999, when we began practising democracy, Nigerians have not had it good. There is lamentation in the land. There is hardship. Parents can no longer take good care of their children.

“They cannot feed their children again because of the economic hardship. That is why you see younger ones engaging in Yahoo Yahoo and other criminal activities because of the absence of good governance.

“When there are pragmatic, progressive and dynamic policies and programmes, people will key in and be law-abiding, but when the leadership is lawless, the people will be lawless.

“And so we pray that God should touch all our hearts, both the leadership and the followers,” he prayed.

He, however, charged political leaders to emulate the sacrifice and devotion exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) for the betterment of the country.

“The message of Prophet Ibrahim is directed to humanity and not to a particular group, tribe or religion. It is a universal message.

“Let us continue to work so that we can have a better life. When we continue to work with what God has revealed, then God will be happy with us. For now, it seems that God has forsaken us. That is why we are in this desperate situation today,” he stated.

Eid-El-Kabir: Hardship, insecurity, political crisis amount to a no-confidence vote on political leaders — Chief Imam of Benin

Nine primary and secondary schools, as well as 14 health centres across Gombe State, have been selected for upgrades with climate-resilient features in five local government areas (LGAs) under a partnership between the Gombe State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The benefiting LGAs and the number of facilities to be upgraded are: […]

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The governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and his wife, Nonye, have praised children in the state, saying the government will continue to ensure quality education for them.

The governor, who was at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the state capital, where he took the salute during a march past by primary and secondary school pupils to mark this year’s Children’s Day celebration, said he was happy with the way children in the state were embracing education.

He said: “Anambra has the lowest out-of-school children rate in the entire country. Our out-of-school children rate stands at 2.6 percent. This is the lowest in Nigeria.

“This statistic is an old one, compiled before we declared full scholarships for primary and secondary schools.

“We stand at 2.6 percent in a country where some states have 60 percent out-of-school children. With our full scholarship policy, I’m sure the rate must have further dropped.

“But I want to assure you that we will not rest because our aim is to make it zero percent,” the governor stated.

Also, his wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, in a press release, assured that with the right education, mentorship and opportunities, children in the state would reach their full potential.

Mrs. Soludo said: “As we mark Children’s Day today, we celebrate the bold dreams, brilliance and limitless potential of every Anambra child.

“Our children are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the pride and future of Anambra State. With the right education, guidance, innovation and opportunities, there is no limit to what they can achieve.”

Children’s Day: Quality education can help Anambra children attain full potential – Soludo, wife